Background

Ginkgo biloba has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Today, it is one of the top-selling herbs in the United States.

Ginkgo is used for the treatment of numerous conditions, many of which are under scientific investigation. Available evidence supports ginkgo for managing dementia, anxiety, schizophrenia, and cerebral insufficiency (insufficient blood flow to brain).

Evidence for other uses is either lacking or mixed. Further research is needed for all uses of ginkgo.

Although ginkgo is generally well tolerated, it should be used cautiously in people with clotting disorders or taking blood thinners, or prior to some surgical or dental procedures, due to reports of bleeding.